Abstract

Guanethidine sulphate (Ismelin - Ciba) has enjoyed quick clinical acceptance in the treatment of severe hypertension because of its ability to inhibit sympathetic nerve transmission without affecting parasympathetic function. While the action of guanethidine is peripheral to the ganglion, its haemodynamic effects are essentially similar to those of the ganglion blocking agents; but it lacks some of the troublesome side effects of those agents.